Word Origin & History

ham "meat of a hog's hind leg used for food," 1637, from O.E. hamm "hollow or bend of the knee," from P.Gmc. *kham- (cf. O.N. höm, M.Du. hamme), from PIE *konemo- "shin bone," originally "be crooked" (cf. Gk. kneme "part between the knee and ankle," O.Ir. cnaim "bone"). Ham-fisted (1928) was originally in reference to pilots who were heavy on the controls.

Example Sentences for ham

"I didn't know you wore a collar any more, Ham," said Austen.

Ham was an apt scholar, and improved upon the precept and example of his father.

Then he mounted her on her mare again and summoned Ham Seay and me.

In the open stove were the tindered remains of the letter Ham had burned.

Little pieces of ham should be stuck over the surface of the potatoes when put on a dish.

Captain Fishley and the squire had left the store, and Ham and I were alone.

You may add also some bits of ham, or some force-meat balls.

"Ham Fishley, you know that what I have said is true," I continued indignantly.

Ceylon is in shape like a ham, with the small end to the north.

Ham was alone there, and the glance which he bestowed upon me was unusually ugly.